198 [Assembly 



a valuable book of directions for the recovery of drowned persons, 

 which book has more than once been the means of saving human life. 

 A system of coast signals has also emanated from this society and a 

 well-matured plan for a steam tug, with necessary models, &.C., are 

 now in the repository, ready for the action of the government, when 

 they may see proper to give it their attention. 



During the winter season we have lectures delivered at the rooms 

 in the Park on all subjects of interest ; and on such ocasions the public 

 generally are invited to attend without charge. 



It would be an endless task to portray the benefits which have re- 

 sulted from our yearly fairs ; the emulation which has arisen from 

 competition has produced all the wonderful results which are now be- 

 fore you. What is the character of American manufactures now as 

 compared with those exhibited at our first fair ? Look at our cloth 

 room, and see there cloths which would do honor to any English ma- 

 nufacturer of five years ago. A few years since, our dyers were en- 

 tirely unable to compete with the English and French dyers ; now 

 they are surpassed by neither. Instead of wearing American cloths 

 from patriotism, we do it now from choice ; they are better than foreign 

 cloths of the same cost. Examine the cotton and other fabrics, and 

 it is with some difBculty you can believe that they are the product of 

 American looms. 



Our improvements in hardware and cutlery are equally great. — 

 What surgeon now thinks of sending abroad for his instruments ? 

 What tailor for his shears ? None ; they are better made at home. 

 Look at the ladies' hats now in this room ; what leghorn can equal 

 them in beauty or quality ? Who now sends to England for cut glass, 

 and what but the emulation arriving from our fairs has reduced its value 

 to the present low prices ? Some of the best specimens in our exhibi- 

 tion are brought from beyond the Alleghany mountains by the manu- 

 facturers. Look at the girandoles and candelabras before you, and 

 recollect the entire impossibility of procuring such goods a few years 

 since. 



The great benefits of our fairs are overlooked by the public at 

 large ; they bring together improvements from all parts of the coun- 

 try, and enable manufacturers visiting us to ascertain where they are 

 excelled, cither in quality or beauty. The improvements in any one 



